NETGEAR GSM7324 Reference Manual page 246

7000 Series L3 Managed Switch Reference Manual for Software v1.0
paths is exploited; when multiple hosts belong to a single multicast group, a multicast packet will be
replicated only when the paths to the separate hosts diverge. See "OSPF" on page 18 for more information.
Multiplexing
A function within a layer that interleaves the information from multiple connections into one connection.
Multi-Protocol Label Switching
An initiative that integrates Layer 2 information about network links (bandwidth, latency, utilization) into
Layer 3 (IP) within a particular autonomous system—or ISP—in order to simplify and improve IP-packet
exchange. MPLS gives network operators a great deal of flexibility to divert and route traffic around link
failures, congestion, and bottlenecks. From a QoS standpoint, ISPs will better be able to manage different
kinds of data streams based on priority and service plan. For instance, those who subscribe to a premium
service plan, or those who receive a lot of streaming media or high-bandwidth content can see minimal
latency and packet loss. When packets enter into a MPLS-based network, Label Edge Routers (LERs) give
them a label (identifier). These labels not only contain information based on the routing table entry (i.e.,
destination, bandwidth, delay, and other metrics), but also refer to the IP header field (source IP address),
Layer 4 socket number information, and differentiated service. Once this classification is complete and
mapped, different packets are assigned to corresponding Labeled Switch Paths (LSPs), where Label Switch
Routers (LSRs) place outgoing labels on the packets. With these LSPs, network operators can divert and
route traffic based on data-stream type and Internet-access customer.
MT-RJ connector
A type of fiber-optic cable jack that is similar in shape and concept to a standard telephone jack, enabling
duplex fiber-optic cables to be plugged into compatible devices as easily as plugging in a telephone cable.
MUX
See "Multiplexing" on page 16.
N
NAT
See "Network Address Translation" on page 17.
NetBIOS
for sharing services
Network Basic Input Output System. An application programming interface (API)
and information on l
ocal-area networks (LANs). Provides for communication between stations of a
network where each station is given a name. These names are alphanumeric names, 16 characters in length.
netmask
Combined with the IP address, the IP Subnet Mask allows a device to know which other addresses are local
to it, and which must be reached through a gateway or router.
C-16 Glossary
May 30, 2003 Beta Draft